Comar Systems CSB200 Quick guide
Installation
and
Instruction Guide
CSB200
Class B AIS Transponder
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 2
GENERAL WARNINGS................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION........................................................................... 6
AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS)................................... 6
INFORMATION TRANSMITTED AND RECEIVED ................................. 7
INSTALLING THE CSB200 UNIT................................................. 8
PACKING LIST.............................................................................. 8
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ......................................................... 8
GPS ANTENNA............................................................................9
VHF ANTENNA.............................................................................9
DATA CONNECTION ...................................................................11
PROGRAMMING THE CSB200.................................................. 13
PROAIS PROGRAM ....................................................................13
STATIC DATA............................................................................. 16
GPS STATUS ............................................................................19
DIAGNOSTICS............................................................................20
SERIAL DATA............................................................................. 23
OTHER VESSELS .......................................................................24
SAFETY MESSAGES...................................................................25
COMMANDS...............................................................................26
USING THE CSB200 .................................................................. 28
SWITCHING ON ..........................................................................28
WARNING AND FAULT STATES....................................................28
LED INDICATORS.......................................................................29
LED STATUS INDICATORS.......................................................... 31
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................... 33
SERIAL DATA INTERFACE....................................................... 36
SERIAL PORT INPUT/OUTPUT .....................................................36
NMEA MESSAGES ....................................................................37
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION...................................................... 42
GLOSSARY................................................................................. 45
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 3
GENERAL WARNINGS
All marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) units utilise a satellite
based system such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) network or
the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) network to determine
position. The accuracy of these networks is variable and is affected by
factors such as the antenna positioning, how many satellites are used to
determine a position and how long satellite information has been received
for. It is desirable wherever possible therefore to verify both your vessels
AIS derived position data and other vessels AIS derived position data
with visual or radar based observations.
The proAIS software is intended for use as an installation and
configuration tool. The application is not a navigation tool and should not
be used as such.
LICENSING
IMPORTANT: In most countries the operation of an AIS unit is included
under the vessels marine VHF licence provisions. The vessel on to which
the AIS unit is to be installed must therefore possess a current VHF
radiotelephone licence which lists the AIS system and the vessel Call
Sign and MMSI number. Please contact the relevant authority in your
country for more information. In accordance with a policy of continual
development and product improvement the CSB200 hardware and
software may be upgraded from time to time and future versions of the
CSB200 may therefore not correspond exactly with this manual. When
necessary upgrades to the product will be accompanied by updates or
addenda to this manual. Please take time to read this manual carefully
and to understand its contents fully so that you can install and operate
your AIS system correctly.
Information contained in this manual is liable to change without notice.
Comar Systems Ltd disclaims any liability for consequences arising from
omissions or inaccuracies in this manual and any other documentation
provided with this product.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 4
DISCLAIMER
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE
USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGE.
This software uses components and source code developed by other
companies or groups.
Microsoft .Net Framework V2.0:
Copyright © 2005 Microsoft Corporation
ZedGraph Graphing component dll (http://zedgraph.org):
Provided under the GNU Lesser General Public License
All trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their
respective owners.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 5
LIMITED WARRANTY
Comar Systems Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects in
materials and manufacture for one year from the date of purchase.
Comar Systems Ltd will, at its sole option, repair or replace any
components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be
made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour. The customer is,
however, responsible for any transportation costs incurred in returning
the unit to Comar Systems Ltd.
This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or
unauthorized alteration or repairs.
The above does not affect the statutory rights of the customer.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Hereby, Comar Systems Ltd of Medina Court, Arctic Road, Cowes, Isle of
Wight, PO31 7XD, United Kingdom, declare that this CSB200 is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions
of Directive 1999/5/EC.
This product carries the CE mark, notified body number and alert symbol
as required by the R&TTE directive.
This product is intended for sale in the following member states:
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 6
INTRODUCTION
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
How AIS Works
The marine Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a location and vessel
information reporting system. It allows vessels equipped with AIS to
automatically and dynamically share and regularly update their position,
speed, course and other information such as vessel identity with similarly
equipped craft. Position is derived from a Global Navigation Satellite
System (GNSS) network and communication between vessels is by Very
High Frequency (VHF) digital transmissions. A sophisticated and
automatic method of time sharing the radio channel is used to ensure that
even where a large number of vessels are in one location, blocking of
individual transmissions is minimised, any degradation of the expected
position reporting interval is indicated to the user and even if the unit
suffers extreme channel overload conditions it will always recover to
normal operation.
AIS Classes
There are two classes of AIS unit fitted to vessels, Class A and Class B.
In addition AIS base stations may be employed by the Coastguard, port
authorities and other authorised bodies. AIS units acting as aids to
navigation (A to Ns) can also be fitted to fixed and floating navigation
markers such as channel markers and buoys.
Class A units are a mandatory fit under the safety of life at sea (SOLAS)
convention to vessels above 300 gross tons or which carry more than 11
passengers in International waters. Many other commercial vessels and
some leisure craft also fit Class A units.
Class B units are currently not a mandatory fit but authorities in several
parts of the world are considering this. Class B units are designed for
fitting in vessels which do not fall into the mandatory Class A fit category.
The CSB200 is a Class B unit
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Information Transmitted and Received
A Class A unit will transmit its IMO number (if known), MMSI, Call sign
and Name, length and beam, ship type, time, course over ground (COG),
speed over ground (SOG), heading, navigational status, rate of turn,
draught, cargo type, destination and safety related messages via a short
message service (SMS) facility. Message lengths are variable with static
and voyage related information being transmitted less often.
Class A ship borne reporting intervals
Ships dynamic conditions Rate
Ship at anchor or moored 3 min
Ship 0-14 Knots 10 sec
Ship 0-14 Knots and changing course 3.3 sec
Ship 14-23 Knots 6 sec
Ship 14-23 Knots and changing course 2 sec
Ship > 23 Knots 2 sec
Ship > 23 Knots and changing course 2 sec
Ships Static Information 6 min
A Class B unit will transmit its MMSI, Call Sign and Name, length and
beam, ship type, time, course over ground (COG), speed over ground
(SOG).
Class B ship borne reporting intervals
Ships dynamic conditions Rate
Ship with Speed Over the Ground < 2 Knots 3 min
Ship with Speed Over the Ground > 2 Knots 30 sec
Ships Static Information 6 min
CSB200 Class B AIS
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INSTALLING THE CSB200 UNIT
Packing List
1 x CSB200 Transponder unit
1 x Power Cable
1 x PC 9pin D Male to Female Programming cable
1 x 9pin D Male Plug with wire ends.
1 x CD
1 x Instruction Manual
WARNING: Do not connect the CSB200 unit to a mains (line) AC
electrical supply, as an electric shock or fire hazard could result.
CAUTION: Do not connect the CSB200 unit to a DC supply
exceeding 15.6 V or reverse the supply polarity. Damage to the unit
may result.
CAUTION: The CSB200 unit is designed for operation in the
temperature range -25 °C to +55 °C. Do not install (or use) the
CSB200 unit in environments which exceed this range.
CAUTION: The CSB200 unit should be installed in a location where
it is protected from water and spray.
Electrical Connections
Connect a 12V DC supply (9.6-15.6V) capable of supplying 2A peak to
the DC power lead .
Positive = RED Negative = BLACK
The case of the unit is not isolated from the negative terminal of the
supply and therefore it is recommended that the unit is not attached
to metal parts of the vessel.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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Connect a suitable GPS antenna to the TNC connector (inner of
the two) at the rear of the CSB200
Connect a suitable VHF antenna to the BNC connector (outer of
the two) at the rear of the CSB200
GPS Antenna
The GPS antenna used must be of the active type (i.e. it should
incorporate an LNA) and must be suitable for marine shipboard
applications (index of protection, ruggedness, means of mounting, etc.).
An antenna should be selected with a gain (in dB) depending on the
length of cable between the antenna and the AIS unit; after subtraction of
cable and connector losses, a minimum total gain of 25 dB should be
available at the CSB200 unit GPS antenna connector.
The GPS antenna to be used for AIS use must be a dedicated antenna,
i.e. not shared with any other GPS receiver.
Installation of the GPS antenna is critical for the performance of the built
in GPS receiver which is used for timing of the transmitted time slots and
for the supply of navigational information should the main navigational
GPS fail. We strongly recommend that:
1. The GPS antenna is mounted in an elevated position and free of
shadow effect from the ship’s superstructure
2. The GPS antenna has a free view through 360 degrees with a
vertical angle of 5 to 90 degrees above the horizon.
3. As the received GPS signal is very sensitive to noise and
interference generated by other onboard transmitters, ensure that
the GNSS antenna is placed as far away as possible from radar,
Inmarsat and Iridium transmitters and ensure the GPS antenna is
free from direct view of the radar and the Inmarsat beam.
4. It is also important that the MF/HF and other VHF transmitter
antennas are kept as far away as possible from the GNSS
antenna. It is good practice never to install a GNSS antenna within
a radius of 5 meters from these antennas.
VHF antenna
The VHF antenna employed for AIS use:
•Must be a dedicated antenna, i.e. not shared with any other VHF
transmitter/receiver.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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•Must be suitable for marine shipboard applications (index of
protection, ruggedness, means of mounting, etc.)
•Should be omni-directional and vertically polarised with unity
gain (0 dB) with a bandwidth sufficient to maintain VSWR <1.5
over the frequency range 156 – 163 MHz. As a minimum the
3dB bandwidth must cover the two AIS channels and the DSC
Channel.
•Should be mounted with at least a two metre vertical separation
distance from any other VHF antenna used for speech or DSC
communication.
VHF Antenna Connection
Connecting a badly mismatched VHF antenna, leaving the VHF antenna
port disconnected, or shorting the VHF antenna port will activate the
VSWR alarm, cause the unit to stop sending position reports or cause
damage to the transponder.
Radio Frequency Exposure
To meet the requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure it is necessary
to install the VHF antenna correctly and operate the AIS equipment
according to the instructions.
The VHF antenna must be mounted at a minimum distance (vertical
separation) of 3 metres from the head of any person standing on deck in
order to meet international safety directives on Maximum Permissible
Exposure (MPE) / Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
Where no suitable structure exists to achieve a 3 metre vertical
separation then the antenna base must be mounted at least 1 metre
above the head of any person within range, all persons should stay
outside the 3-metre safety radius and if practical a grounded RF shield
should be interposed between people and the antenna.
Failure to adhere to these limits could expose persons within the 3 metre
radius to RF radiation in excess of the MPE / SAR limits.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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Data Connection
If an external display unit is to be used to show other AIS units within
range (such as a chart plotter, PC serial terminal or other display device)
connect the user end of the data interface cable to the display device.
Note that the software in the display device must be configured for AIS
operation .
There is a 9-way D-type female connector mounted at the rear of the
CSB200. The standard wire ended data cable assembly provided mates
with this connector.
9 Pin D Cable Colour Signal Name
1 BROWN -NMEA Output (RS422)
2 RED +RS232 Output
3 ORANGE +RS232 Input
4 YELLOW +NMEA Output (RS422)
5 GREEN Ground
6 BLUE Configurable Switch +
7 VIOLET Not Used
8 GREY +NMEA Input (RS422)
9 BLACK -NMEA Input (RS422)
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 12
Connections to a PC.
Connections to a Plotter.
CSB200 Plotter/Radar
1 – Brown- NMEA Output B NMEA Input B- Return
4 – Yellow NMEA Output A NMEA Input A - Positive
Data
The default baud rate of the data link is 38.4kBaud with 8 data bits, one
stop bit and no parity. No handshaking is used.
The data interface conforms to IEC 61162-1.
VDM, VDO, RMC, ACA, ACS, ALR, TXT and ACK messages conform to
NMEA 0183. Please refer to the SERIAL DATA INTERFACE section of
this manual for full details of these AIS messages.
CSB200 PC 9 Pin Serial Port
2- Red -TX Data 2- RX Data
3- Orange- RX Data 3- Transmit Data
5 –Green-Ground 5 -Ground
CSB200 Class B AIS
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PROGRAMMING THE CSB200
proAIS Program
Before the CSB200 can transmit it requires to be programmed with your
own vessels information. This is done via the CSB200 field programmer
proAIS
Requirements
The proAIS application is designed to operate with Microsoft Windows
200, XP and above. Recommended minimum system requirements are:
•Microsoft Windows XP SP2
•Display resolution of at least 1024 x 768
•At least one RS232 serial port (or USB to serial converter
already installed*)
*If you are using a USB to serial converter please ensure this is fully
installed before proceeding.
This software uses the Microsoft .Net Framework V2.0. The Framework
will be automatically installed during setup if not already present on the
system.
Setup
1. Insert the installation CD and locate the Setup.exe file.
2. Double click the Setup.exe file to begin the installation.
3. Follow on screen prompts to install the .Net Framework if
required
4. When the security warning below is displayed, select 'Install'
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 14
5. The application will install and launch automatically
6. A Start Menu folder and shortcut will be created with the name
'proAIS'. This short cut should be used to re-launch the
application as required
Removal
The proAIS application can be removed at any time via the Windows
Control Panel 'Add or Remove Programs' tool.
AIS Connection
1. Launch the proAIS application by navigating to the 'proAIS'
shortcut on the Start Menu.
2. The initial application screen will appear as shown below (exact
screen display depends on version installed)
3. The application requires a serial connection to the CSB200.
Connect the CSB200 transponder to an available serial port.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 15
4. Select the serial port from the drop down menu, then click
'Connect':
5. Once a connection is established the application is ready to
use. Connection status is indicated at the bottom left of the
application window:
6. The functions of proAIS are arranged in a series of tabs. Each
tab contains information relating to a particular aspect of the
connected AIS transponder. Depending on the version of proAIS
installed not all tabs shown below may be visible.
•Static data tab
oDisplays the 'Static data' for the connected AIS
transponder. This includes the vessel's name, call sign,
MMSI number and other fixed information
oAllows editing of the static data
•GPS Status tab
oShows the status of the internal GPS receiver, including
position fix data and satellite signal strength graph
•Diagnostics tab
oShows the status of key system diagnostics. Used to
troubleshoot installation of the transponder and verify
correct operation.
•Other Vessels tab
oShows information about other vessels in the area received
from the AIS transponder
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 16
•Safety messages tab
oDisplays safety related messages received from other AIS
equipped vessels.
•Commands tab
oProvides access to software controlled features of the
CSB200 AIS transponder.
•Serial Data tab
oShows the raw NMEA serial data being generated by the
transponder. Provides a facility to log this data to a file for
later analysis.
oAllows NMEA commands to be sent to the transponder
Subsequent sections describe the functions of each tab in more detail.
Menu Bar
The menu bar provides basic program options.
Under the 'Options' menu item checking 'Beep on AIS Transmission' will
cause the PC to emit a sound every time the connected AIS unit
transmits.
The Help -> About menu item displays the program splash screen and
version information.
Static Data
This tab shows the current configuration of the AIS transponder and
allows the configuration to be programmed during installation into a
vessel.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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When an un-configured AIS transponder is connected for the first time
the display will be similar to that shown below:
To configure the transponder all of the data fields must be completed and
saved to the AIS.
LCAUTION:
For security reasons the MMSI of the vessel cannot be
changed once programmed. Do not programme the MMSI
unless you are certain you have the correct information.
Please check the number entered carefully. If the MMSI
programmed is incorrect the AIS transponder will need to
be returned to the supplier for factory reset.
Enter the vessels information in the appropriate box:
•Ship's name - enter the name of the vessel (20 characters
maximum)
•Call Sign - enter the vessel's radio call sign (7 characters
maximum)
CSB200 Class B AIS
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•MMSI number - enter the vessel's Maritime Mobile Service
Identity number
•Enter the vessels dimensions as follows
oDimension A - distance from the bow to GPS antenna
location to the nearest meter
oDimension B - distance from the stern to GPS antenna
location to the nearest meter
oDimension C - distance from the port side to the GPS
antenna location to the nearest meter
oDimension D - distance from the GPS antenna to the
starboard side to the nearest meter
•Select the most appropriate vessel type from the drop down
menu.
LCAUTION:
If no MMSI is entered (MMSI is set to 000000000) then the
AIS transponder will operate in receive only mode. The
vessels own position will not be transmitted. An MMSI must
be entered to allow the AIS transponder to transmit its own
position to other vessels.
•When you have entered all of the vessel's data click the 'Save
static data to AIS' button to programme this configuration into
the AIS transponder:
•A warning will be displayed asking you to verify the MMSI
number. Please check the number displayed is correct before
proceeding. If the number is incorrect click the 'No' button to
cancel programming of the MMSI:
CSB200 Class B AIS
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•Click the 'Yes' button if the MMSI is correct
•The static data tab will be updated to show the newly
programmed vessel information. The MMSI number will be
displayed with a grey background to indicate that it has been
programmed and cannot be changed.
GPS Status
This tab shows the status of the internal GPS receiver. If the GPS
receiver has position fix then the current position, speed and course are
shown. A bar chart of satellite signal strength is also provided.
Satellite signal strength bars are shown in green for satellites that are
currently being used for navigation. Blue signal strength bars are used to
show satellites not currently being used for navigation. It is normal for the
graph to display a combination of green and blue bars.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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The information on this tab is intended for use during installation of the
AIS transponder in order to verify connection of the GPS antenna.
Diagnostics
The diagnostics tab shows key status information from the AIS
transponder. This information can be used to quickly verify that the
transponder has been installed correctly and is operational.
AIS Transponder Status
•A tick next to the items in this area indicates correct operation.
•If a red cross is shown then some action may be required:
oTransponder MMSI valid has a red cross - check the
MMSI of the unit is configured by selecting the 'Static
Data' tab and verifying that a valid MMSI has been
entered. If the MMSI is 000000000 then it has not been
programmed.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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oGPS position fix has a red cross - the GPS has not
acquired a position fix. Please allow up to 5 minutes for
a fix to be acquired. If the red cross is still present
check the GPS antenna is correctly connected and has
a clear view of the sky.
oAIS has transmitted a position report has a red cross -
the unit has not yet transmitted its position. Please
allow up to 5 minutes after GPS fix has been acquired
for the green tick to appear. If the red cross is still
present after this time please refer to the active alarms
section below. The AIS will not transmit unless it has
acquired GPS fix and has a valid MMSI programmed
oAIS has received a position report has a red cross - a
position report from another vessel has been received.
If there is no other AIS equipped vessel in the area the
red cross will remain against this item. If other AIS
equipped vessels are present and the red cross
remains please check the VHF antenna connections.
AIS Transponder Active Alarms
Any active alarm messages generated by the AIS unit are shown here
•Note that alarms may take up to 1 minute to clear from this
display once their source has been corrected
•It is normal for GPS related alarms to be displayed when the AIS
is first switched on. These alarms will clear once GPS position
fix is acquired.
•Please refer to the troubleshooting section for a description of
each alarm message
AIS Transponder Information
This section shows technical information about the connected AIS
transponder including software and firmware version information.
Depending on the AIS software version the ability to display the GPS
firmware version may not be present. If shown, clicking the 'Get version'
button will retrieve the GPS firmware version. Please note that this
operation may result in a temporary loss of GPS fix.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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LED Status
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section mirrors the LED display on the front of the AIS transponder
and is useful when the unit is installed in a location
where the physical LEDs are not easily visible.
Internal Data
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section provides internal diagnostics data from your AIS
transponder. Your dealer may request this information if diagnosing any
problems with your installation.
Statistics
This display may not be enabled depending on the software version of
your AIS transponder.
This section shows the number of AIS messages received and
transmitted on each of the AIS channels. You can use this information to
verify that the transponder is successfully receiving and transmitting data
when other AIS equipped vessels are in range
CSB200 Class B AIS
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Serial Data
This tab shows the raw NMEA 0183 serial data being output by the AIS.
A typical display is shown below:
•Serial data can be logged to a file by clicking the 'Log to file'
button and entering a file name and location in the dialog box.
oLogging to file will continue if other tabs are selected
after logging has been started
oLogging to file will cease when the 'Stop logging' button
is clicked
•The serial data display can be paused by clicking the pause
button at the bottom right hand side of the data window. Clicking
the button a second time will resume output of the live serial
data.
•Transmitted AIVDO messages are indented for easy
CSB200 Class B AIS
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identification
•NMEA command sentences can be sent to the unit by entering
them in the lower text box and clicking the 'Send' button. proAIS
will calculate and append the NMEA checksum to the sentence
if the "Add Checksum" check box is checked. In this case enter
a NMEA sentence without including the asterisk that precedes
the checksum.
Other Vessels
This tab shows information received from other AIS equipped vessels in
the area.
•The MMSI of each vessel is shown.
oVessels equipped with Class A AIS have the MMSI
displayed in black text.
oVessels equipped with Class B AIS have the MMSI
diplayed in blue text
•The name and call sign of each vessel is shown
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oDue to the way AIS operates this information may take
some time to appear
•The speed in knots, course in degrees, decimal latitude and
longitude are shown for each vessel
•The approximate distance to each vessel is shown when the
connected unit has a GPS fix. Please note that this is an
approximate distance for indication only.
•The class of the AIS equipment on each vessel is displayed as
A or B
•Columns can be sorted into ascending or descending order by
clicking on the column heading.
Safety Messages
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This tab displays safety related messages received from other AIS
equipped vessels in the area. The tab displays two message types:
•Addressed Safety Related Message (VDL Message #12)
•Broadcast Safety Related Message (VDL Message #14)
The UTC time the message was received, along with the MMSI of the
sender will be displayed along with the text contents of each message.
Commands
The commands tab provides access to software controlled features of the
CSB200 transponder. Depending on the AIS software version the
following commands may be available:
•Configure baud rates
oBaud rates for the RS232 and RS422 (NMEA 0183)
communications ports can be set here. The default
value is 38400 & should be used where possible. The
CSB200 Class B AIS
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'Update' button should be clicked to send new settings to
the AIS transponder.
•Alarm output options
By default the AIS transponder will output the status of all alarms every
minute using AIALR sentences. The unit can be optionally configured to
only output active alarms using the radio buttons. The 'Update' button
should be clicked to send new settings to the AIS transponder.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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USING THE CSB200
Switching on
When the 12VDC supply is switched on the green ON LED will light and
the other six LED’s visible on the front panel of the unit will illuminate
twice for a period of one second on each illumination. The Status, TX Off
and TX LEDs will then go out. The green RX LED will flash when it is
receiving data from other AIS units.
When the internal GPS is locked the yellow LED will go out and the
green Status Led will light; note that this process may take several
minutes depending on the switch-on state of the GPS receiver. The red
TX LED will flash momentarily every time the unit transmits.
NOTE If the unit has not been programmed with an MMSI number the
green RX, yellow Timeout and red Error LED will remain on.
Warning and Fault States
If the unit has not been able to transmit a position report during the last
expected two reporting intervals (i.e. the nominal reporting interval cannot
be maintained for operational reasons such as a Message 23 quiet
period, high channel load conditions, etc) the yellow LED will illuminate.
This is a warning condition only and indicates that your vessels
position is not currently being reported to other vessels. Reception of
other vessel AIS information by the CSB200 is not affected. When the
unit is able to commence reporting the yellow LED goes out.
If a fault occurs the red Error LED will illuminate. This may illuminate
briefly if the power supply is interrupted or if the VHF antenna
characteristics are briefly affected.
CSB200 Class B AIS
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If the Red Error LED illuminates continuously the unit should be assumed
to be faulty and should either be switched off (power removed) or if this is
not practical any other vessel position information derived from the unit
should not be used and it should also be assumed that the unit is not
transmitting valid position information for your vessel.
The unit should be examined by an authorised service agent at the
earliest opportunity.
LED Indicators
ON
This is a green LED which indicates, when lit, that power has been
connected correctly to the transponder.
Status
This is a green LED which indicates, when lit, that the transponder
hardware has been configured, that the operating software is present,
that the CPU has booted up, the application software is running and
everything is correct.
RX
This is a green LED which indicates when flashing that the CSB200 is
receiving data from other AIS transponders and is outputting this data as
VDM NMEA sentences on the output data ports. If the Green LED is on
continuously the unit has not been programmed with its personalised
data. It will still send received data to the output port, but will not transmit.
TX
This is a red LED which flashes momentarily when the CSB200 transmits
its own AIS data.
Timeout
This is a yellow LED which indicates when lit that the transmitter is
prevented from transmitting. Reasons for this include the following:
•The transponder’s internal GPS receiver is not operating or is
not yet ready.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 30
•The transponder was unable to transmit an AIS message due to
the channel being already occupied, e.g. by transmissions from
other AIS transponders, or the TX Off function is in operation.
Error
This is a red LED which indicates, when lit, one of the following status
conditions is possible:
•Transmitter lockout timer (1 second maximum) has operated
•GPS is unable to gain lock after 30 minutes
•VHF antenna VSWR is out of range
•Power Supply is out of range
•Background noise level is above the threshold level (-77dBm)
Transmit Off Facility.
The Blue LED can be configured to operate in 3 modes by the proAIS
program:
•Switch has no function, default mode as supplied.
•Silent mode facility is provided in the event that you do not wish
to disclose your position to other users or to conserve power
when it is not necessary to transmit your position. The
transmitter can be turned off by connecting a simple ON/OFF
switch between the Blue cable on pin 6 and the Green cable on
pin 5. Closing this switch will cause the Blue-TX off LED and
the Yellow Timeout LED to light, the Green Status LED will
extinguish. Opening the switch will resume transmissions.
Reception of AIS data during this operation will not be affected.
•Send Safety Related Message will send a Type 14 message
with your MMSI number and the words MAYDAY MAYDAY. The
message can be turned on by connecting a momentary push on
button between the Blue cable on pin 6 and the Green cable on
pin 5. Holding the switch down for 3 seconds will activate the
function and cause the blue LED to light, it will stay illuminated
for 1 minute, further pushes of the switch, after the Blue LED
extinguishes, will repeat the message.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 31
LED Status Indicators
Power Status Timeout Error TX
Off TX RX Indicates
99
Blinking Blinking Normal
999Fixed No MMSI
99
Blinking No GPS
999Blinking Tx off Switch
99
9Blinking SRM switch
The table above is a quick reference check on the operational status of
the CSB200, for more detailed information it is recommended to view the
Diagnostics page in the proAIS program.
Built in Integrity Test
The CSB200 is equipped with Built In Integrity Testing (BIIT). BIIT tests
run continuously or at appropriate intervals simultaneously with the
standard functions of the equipment. The BIIT detects any failure or
malfunction that will significantly reduce integrity or stop operation of the
CSB200 unit.
The tests include:
•AIS TX malfunction (synthesiser not locked and TX time-out not
exceeded)
•Antenna VSWR exceeds limit
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 32
•Rx channel 1 malfunction (synthesiser not locked)
•Rx channel 2 malfunction (synthesiser not locked)
•Internal GNSS not in use
•No valid SOG information
•No valid COG information
•Background noise > -77dBm
•GPS failure
•VSWR exceeding the maximum allowed level
•The input voltage is out of the specified range
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Unauthorized opening of the CSB200 unit will invalidate the
warranty.
CAUTION: Avoid using chemical solvents to clean the CBS200, solvents
may damage the case material.
NOTE: The CSB200 contains no serviceable parts. Contact your local
Dealer if the unit fails to function correctly.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 33
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem Possible cause Solution
General
CSB200 is not
detected on proAIS
The AIS is not
connected to the
serial port selected
from the drop down
menu.
The AIS is not
powered.
The serial cable is
damaged or faulty.
Check the number of
the serial port the AIS is
connected to and retry.
Check that the power
supply is connected
and switched on.
Try an alternative serial
cable.
Static Data tab
No static data is
displayed The unit has not yet
been configured Follow instructions in
the Static data section
to configure the unit
The MMSI can not
be changed The MMSI has
already been
programmed
The MMSI can only be
programmed once. If it
is incorrect please
contact your dealer.
The static data is
incorrect Data was entered
incorrectly Re-enter the static data
and save to the AIS.
The MMSI cannot be
updated.
GPS tab
No GPS position
information is
displayed
(or graph shows only
blue bars)
The unit has not
acquired GPS fix
Check the GPS
antenna connections
and power cycle the
AIS unit.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 34
Problem Possible cause Solution
The GPS antenna is
not correctly
connected
The GPS antenna
does not have a clear
view of the sky
GPS antenna is
unsuitable for use with
AIS
Check the GPS
antenna location and
make sure it's view of
the sky is not
obstructed
Check the AIS
installation manual
against the specification
of your GPS antenna
Diagnostics tab
Red cross against a
status item Unit configuration or
antenna connections See Diagnostics tab
section of this user
guide for advice on
each item
Active alarm shown:
Position sensor fault
OR
SOG data fault
OR
COG data fault
The unit has not
acquired GPS fix
Wait at least five
minutes for the unit to
acquire GPS position fix
Follow troubleshooting
guide for GPS tab
Active alarm shown:
VHF Antenna VSWR
fault
The VHF antenna is
not connected or is
not suitable for use
with the AIS
Check the VHF antenna
connections.
Check the AIS
installation manual
against the specification
of your VHF antenna
Active alarm shown:
12V Power supply
fault
The power supply to
the AIS is outside the
specified range.
Check the power supply
voltage to the AIS
against that specified in
the installation manual.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 35
Problem Possible cause Solution
Active alarm shown:
Channel A Noise
fault OR
Channel B Noise
fault
The AIS cannot
transmit because the
background noise
level is too high
Check the VHF antenna
connections.
Check the AIS
installation manual
against the specification
of your VHF antenna.
In very busy shipping
channels this alarm
may appear
temporarily. This is
normal operation for
Class B AIS.
Active alarm shown
with message not
listed here
The VHF antenna is
not connected or is
not suitable for use
with the AIS.
AIS is faulty.
Check the VHF antenna
connections.
Check the AIS
installation manual
against the specification
of your VHF antenna.
Please contact your
dealer.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 36
SERIAL DATA INTERFACE
Serial Port Input/Output
There are two serial ports, one presenting NMEA (RS422) format and the
other RS232 format. Data can be input from either or both ports.
The serial port interface(s) output:
•At power-up boot-loader and main application splash text
screens including version numbers and memory status.
•As a VHF Data Link Message (VDM) all incoming VHF Data
Link (VDL) data received by the CSB200.
•The VHF data link own vessel (VDO) messages sent by the
CSB200 over the VHF Data Link.
•AIS regional channel assignment messages (ACA) received.
These are derived from an incoming VHF Data Link message
(message 22) or a DSC message.
•AIS channel management information source (ACS) messages.
•Alarm messages (ALR, TXT).
The data interface will accept
•Personality programming messages
•Alarm acknowledgement messages (ACK)
On power up the unit will report details of the firmware versions residing
in the unit.
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 37
NMEA Messages
Receipt of a VHF transmission on either AIS radio channel causes a
VDM message to be output via the data port.
VDM Message Format
!--VDM,x1,x2,x3,a,s--s,x*hh<CR><LF>
•x1 = Total number of sentences needed to transfer the message
, 1 to 9
•x2 = Sentence number, 1 to 9
•x3 = Sequential message identifier, 0 to 9
•a = AIS Channel, "A" or "B"
•s - - s = Encapsulated ITU-R M.1371 radio message
•x = Number of fill-bits, 0 to 5
VDM Message Types
For example, the information contained in the s - - s portion of the VDM =
Encapsulated ITU-R M.1371 radio message. Note that messages 5 and
19 may be sent as multi part messages using the x1, x2 and x3
parameters for message sequence control
VDL Message Number VDM Message Description
AIS Target Display Information
1, 2, 3, 9,18, 21 position report
4 base station report
5 voyage related data
19 Class B – extended data
Safety message handling
12 addressed safety related
14 broadcast safety related
External Application handling
6 binary addressed
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 38
8 binary broadcast
System control
7 binary acknowledge (INFO)
10 UTC and data inquiry (INFO)
11 UTC and data response (INFO)
13 safety related ack (INFO)
15 interrogation (INFO)
16 assignment mode command (INFO)
17 DGNSS corrections (INFO)
20 data link management (INFO)
22 channel management (INFO)
VDO Message Format
This sentence sends the own vessels details.
Message Format
!--VDO,x1,x2,x3,a,s--s,x*hh<CR><LF>
•x1 = Total number of sentences needed to transfer the message
, 1 to 9
•x2 = Sentence number, 1 to 9
•x3 = Sequential message identifier, 0 to 9
•a = AIS Channel, "A" or "B"
•s - - s = Encapsulated ITU-R M.1371 radio message 4
•x = Number of fill-bits , 0 to 5
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 39
VDO Message
Number VDO Message Description
AIS Target Display Information
13 Safety Related Acknowledgement
18 Standard Class B position report (Includes MMSI, SOG,
position accuracy, lat, long, COG, true heading,)
24a Class B “CS” Static data Part A (Includes MMSI and vessel
name)
24b Class B “CS” Static data Part B (Includes MMSI, ship type,
cargo type, call sign, ship dimensions)
ACA Message Format
The CSB200 unit can receive regional channel management information
(ACA) in two ways: ITU-R M.1371 message 22 or a DSC telecommand
received on channel 70,
Message Format
$--ACA,x,llll.ll,a,yyyyy.yy,a,llll.ll,a1,y1y1y1y1y.y1y1,a2,x1,x2x2x2x2,
x3,x4x4x4x4, x5,x6,x7,a3,x8,hhmmss.ss*hh <CR><LF>
•x = Sequence Number , 0 to 9
•IIII, II, a = Region Northeast corner latitude – N/S
•yyyyy.yy,a1 = Region Northeast corner longitude – E/W
•llll.ll,a = Region Southwest corner latitude – N/S
•y1y1y1y1y1.y1y1,a2 = Region Southwest corner longitude –
E/W
•x1 = Transition Zone Size
•x2x2x2x2 = Channel A
•x3 = Channel A bandwidth
•x4x4x4x4 = Channel B
•x5 = Channel B bandwidth
•x6 = Tx/Rx mode control
CSB200 Class B AIS
R2.0 40
•x7 = Power level control
•a3 = Information source
•x8 = In-Use Flag
•hhmmss.ss = Time of "in-use" change
ACS Message Format
This sentence is used in conjunction with the ACA sentence and
identifies the originator of an ACA message.
$--ACS,x,xxxxxxxxx, hhmmss.ss,xx,xx,xxxx*hh <CR><LF>
•x = Sequence Number , 0 to 9
•xxxxxxxxx = MMSI of originator
•hhmmss.ss = UTC of receipt of channel management
information
•xx = UTC Day, 01 -31
•xx = UTC Month, 01 -12
•xxxx = UTC Year
ALR Message Format
Alarm message
$--ALR,hhmmss.ss,xxx,A,A,c--c*hh<CR><LF>
•hhmmss.ss = Time of alarm (UTC)
•xxx = Unique alarm number
•A = Alarm condition
•A = Alarm acknowledge state
•c--c = Alarm description, text
Alarms descriptions presented are:
•AIS: TX malfunction
•AIS: Antenna VSWR exceeds limit
•AIS: Rx channel 1 malfunction
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